Thirty-Six Bends

Thirty-Six Bends

Thirty-Six Bends is located in the heart of the Siming Mountains in eastern Zhejiang, within the exceptionally picturesque Xuedou Mountain range of the Xikou National Scenic Area. Situated between the San'yin Pool and Xufu scenic spots, it covers a total area of 9 square kilometers and is widely known as a “mountain flower garden village.”

The summer temperature rarely exceeds 27 degrees, and it has long been known as a “summer resort and cool paradise.” In spring, the mountains are covered in blooming flowers, while in winter, they are blanketed in snow. From anywhere in the village, one can “watch the sunrise at dawn and bid farewell to the sunset in the evening.” Leaning on the windowsill of a farmhouse, one can truly feel as though they are “standing atop the highest peak, looking down upon all the lesser mountains.” At night, the village is quiet with only the rustling of pine trees, while during the day, the mountain breeze is gentle and the air is fresh.

As early as the late Qing Dynasty, the area began focusing on the art of bonsai and the cultivation of flowers and seedlings. After a century of development, it has become a nationally renowned base for bonsai planting and cultivation. Here, not only are road greening and land vegetation coverage rates at or near 100%, but every household also makes use of the spaces around their homes to plant various flowers and seedlings, crafting bonsai of different shapes. This not only increases farmers' income but also beautifies and enhances the village environment. Additionally, on the foundation of a 600-acre eco-tourism forest of five-needle pines, the village has also developed a 100-acre ancient tree scenic area and a 10-acre five-needle pine bonsai garden and landscape seedling cultivation base. Various seedlings are labeled and introduced, initially forming an ecological development path that integrates tourism, leisure vacations, sightseeing, and entertainment.

In 2006, Thirty-Six Bends Village invested over 600,000 yuan to transform 2 acres of unused land into a village leisure and cultural square that combines cultural activities and sports. This not only beautified the village environment and elevated its stature but also provided residents and tourists with a great place to rest, relax, and engage in activities. Since October 2008, three farmhouse inns have been established. Currently, these three inns are operating well and have left a positive impression on many visitors. On average, each inn receives about 150 visitors per month, with operating incomes of around 3,000 yuan. The main sources of guests are from Shanghai, Ningbo, and the local Fenghua area. Thanks to the honest management, good service attitude, quiet and elegant environment, and diverse leisure and entertainment options, a common phenomenon is that “visitors bring more visitors,” leading to many repeat customers. The farmhouse inns are showing great vitality.

Combining the village’s geographical location and unique characteristics, Thirty-Six Bends Village has developed a range of highly participatory and entertaining agritourism activities based on existing offerings such as basketball, table tennis, and board games. These include unique mountain forest experiences such as enjoying coolness under the scorching sun, barbecuing in the cold, mountain climbing for distant views, bamboo shoot digging and grafting, and agricultural activities. Only by personally participating can visitors truly experience the endless joy that Thirty-Six Bends Village’s leisure tourism has to offer.

Behind Thirty-Six Bends Village lies Bijia Mountain, which stands at an elevation of 680 meters. It earned the name “Bijia Mountain” (Pen Rack Mountain) due to its resemblance to the pen rack used by immortals. Climbing this mountain not only allows one to overlook the entire village and take in its full beauty but also offers the wonderful sensation of “shouting from above and hearing echoes from all around” and “feeling as though all other mountains are small,” leaving one feeling refreshed, enchanted, and reluctant to leave—truly an endless source of joy.